Going Strong at 86: One Woman’s Hip Replacement Story

2 minutes

 

Twenty years after having her left hip replaced, Shelly Conley, 86, felt like something wasn’t quite right. She had a strange sensation deep in the hip joint that was shifting with every step, catching, and grinding in a way it hadn’t before. 

“It felt like something was rattling around in my hip,” Shelly says, “like how a loose wheel wobbles on a grocery cart. It kept sticking at me, causing intense pain, and I had a hard time walking and moving around.” 

After a visit with BJC Medical Group orthopedic surgeon Nicholas Wilson, MD, Shelly learned she needed another hip replacement to repair a loose piece that was causing her pain. 

“I’m usually not one to sit around,” Shelly says. “I enjoy gardening and I like to be busy, but with the pain I was having, I could barely walk or do the things I love.” 

To restore her mobility and relieve her pain and discomfort, Shelly underwent a hip replacement at Progress West Hospital. 

Progress West Hospital offers more than just expert surgical care—they provide personalized treatment plans, advanced surgical techniques, and compassionate support at every step, from diagnosis to recovery. 

The procedure performed by Dr. Wilson was a success. 

“Everyone at Progress West took great care of me,” Shelly says. “From the moment I arrived, I felt supported by every team member and knew I was in the right place for my hip replacement.” 

Shelly recovered at home with the help of physical therapy visits. Her recovery went smoothly, and before long, the pain was gone. 

Now she’s back to doing the things she loves, including gardening, grocery shopping, and enjoying time with her grandchildren, who live with her and her daughter. Shelly handles yard work on her own, confidently using both a string trimmer and a push mower. Everyday movements—squatting, getting in and out of bed or the car—come easier now. “I’m pain-free, which is a good feeling,” she says. “I feel wonderful.” 

At 86, Shelly is proof that staying active and getting the right care can make all the difference. If you're living with pain and want to learn more about our providers, visit BJC Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine at O’Fallon or call 636-695-0400.

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